Matt Ridley

Theresa May today telephoned the French president Emmanuel Macron urging him drop his country’s hardline stance and allow Brexit negotiations to progress and talk about trade. In a round of frenetic diplomatic activity before Thursday’s European summit, the prime minister also spoke to the Irish...Theresa May today telephoned the French president Emmanuel Macron urging him drop his country’s hardline stance and allow Brexit negotiations to progress and talk about trade. In a round of frenetic diplomatic activity before Thursday’s European summit, the prime minister also spoke to the Irish...Theresa May today telephoned the French president Emmanuel Macron urging him drop his country’s hardline stance and allow...

Even by the standards of flying visits Theresa May’s trip to Brussels tonight is a remarkably brief affair. With less than four hours scheduled on the ground the prime minister’s working dinner with the European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker will be short on small talk. But then, after their disastrous last dinner date in Downing...Even by the standards of flying visits Theresa May’s trip to Brussels tonight is a remarkably brief affair. With less than four hours scheduled on the ground the prime minister’s working dinner with the European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker will be short on small talk. But then, after their disastrous last dinner date in Downing...Even by the standards of flying visits Theresa May’s trip to Brussels tonight is a remarkably brief affair. With less than four...

They have been billed as the future of intercity rail travel in Britain. However, there was something wearily familiar about the new fleet of high-tech trains that took to the tracks this morning. The inaugural passenger service introduced as part of the £5.7 billion Intercity Express programme was dogged by...They have been billed as the future of intercity rail travel in Britain. However, there was...They have been billed as the future of intercity rail travel in Britain. However, there was...

At the end of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series, the dolphins abandon Earth for another dimension with the farewell message: “So long, and thanks for all the fish.” While the intelligence of many cetacean species has been attested for...At the end of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series, the dolphins abandon Earth for another...At the end of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series, the dolphins abandon Earth for another...

A leading barristers’ chambers has been thrown into crisis over its handling of sexual harassment allegations against...A leading barristers’ chambers has been thrown into crisis over its handling of sexual harassment...A leading barristers’ chambers has been thrown into crisis over its handling of sexual harassment...

Jokes about the Watford Gap being the dividing line between north and south may be based on history that stretches back to the Vikings. A historian has identified Watling Street, the road that was the forerunner of the A5 and which runs through...Jokes about the Watford Gap being the dividing line between north and south may be based on...Jokes about the Watford Gap being the dividing line between north and south may be based on...

The people of Canvey Island in Essex are planning a Catalan-style revolt to break away from mainland Britain. The island, which covers seven square miles and has a population of almost 40,000, is governed by the...The people of Canvey Island in Essex are planning a Catalan-style revolt to break away from mainland Britain. The island, which covers seven square miles and has a population of almost 40,000, is governed by the...The people of Canvey Island in Essex are planning a Catalan-style revolt to break away from mainland Britain. The...

Immediate action is needed to tackle plastic pollution in the world’s oceans, Sir David Attenborough has said. Speaking as details were unveiled of the new BBC wildlife programme Blue Planet II, the veteran broadcaster...Immediate action is needed to tackle plastic pollution in the world’s oceans, Sir David Attenborough has said. Speaking as details were unveiled of the new BBC wildlife programme Blue Planet II, the veteran broadcaster...Immediate action is needed to tackle plastic pollution in the world’s oceans, Sir David Attenborough has said.

Emmanuel Macron’s office has moved to revoke the Légion d’Honneur awarded to Harvey Weinstein in 2012 by Nicolas...Emmanuel Macron’s office has moved to revoke the Légion d’Honneur awarded to Harvey Weinstein in...Emmanuel Macron’s office has moved to revoke the Légion d’Honneur awarded to Harvey Weinstein in...

Twitter has pledged to take a “more aggressive” stance to abusive messages after celebrities and activists boycotted...Twitter has pledged to take a “more aggressive” stance to abusive messages after celebrities and...Twitter has pledged to take a “more aggressive” stance to abusive messages after celebrities and...

On losing: “I thought I was going to win. This came as a surprise. I was, at that moment, just stunned. Even Trump was surprised… I just collapsed with real grief and disappointment. On conceding to Trump: “When I called him, it was perfunctory.On losing: “I thought I was going to win. This came as a surprise. I was, at that moment, just...On losing: “I thought I was going to win. This came as a surprise. I was, at that moment, just...

People who need residential care should be guaranteed that they will spend no more than a quarter of their wealth on care fees, a leading health economist has proposed. An asset protection guarantee should replace David...People who need residential care should be guaranteed that they will spend no more than a quarter of their wealth on care fees, a leading health economist has proposed. An asset protection guarantee should replace David...People who need residential care should be guaranteed that they will spend no more than a quarter of their wealth on...

The MegaMax 5000 broccoli blender has a rating of 2.6 stars on Amazon, with 178 reviews. An alternative product, the Break-a-Broc, has been given an average score of 2.7 by 20 reviewers. Which should you buy? Our general...The MegaMax 5000 broccoli blender has a rating of 2.6 stars on Amazon, with 178 reviews. An alternative product, the Break-a-Broc, has been given an average score of 2.7 by 20 reviewers. Which should you buy? Our general...The MegaMax 5000 broccoli blender has a rating of 2.6 stars on Amazon, with 178 reviews. An alternative product, the...

Robots may not be coming to take your job, but artificial intelligence is definitely going to change how you do it. Driverless cars will transform your experience of getting to work, and personalised medicines will keep you healthier while you do it.Robots may not be coming to take your job, but artificial intelligence is definitely going to...Robots may not be coming to take your job, but artificial intelligence is definitely going to...

Sir, At last Jean-Claude Juncker has used an apt metaphor for the United Kingdom’s financial obligations on leaving the European Union. Not the divorce bill but the bar bill (“Juncker: Thanks for war, but pay up”, News, Oct 14). “If,” he said...Sir, At last Jean-Claude Juncker has used an apt metaphor for the United Kingdom’s financial...Sir, At last Jean-Claude Juncker has used an apt metaphor for the United Kingdom’s financial...

Complaints

Newsletters

Daily Universal Register

Briefing

UK: A yellow weather warning is in place in parts of the British Isles owing to the remnants of Hurricane Ophelia; Prince William and Prince Harry attend a charities forum event in London; the Duchess of Cornwall attends the Women of the Year awards; the EY ITEM Club produces its autumn economic forecast.

Spain: The deadline set by Spain for Carles Puigdemont, the president of Catalonia, to declare independence expires today.

On this day

In 1964 Harold Wilson became prime minister.In 1978 Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, archbishop of Cracow, became Pope John Paul II.In 1995 Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, led the Million Man March in Washington.

Nature notes

The hawthorn tree has magical powers in Irish folklore, often malevolent. Those who interfered with it did so at their peril, according to the old stories. The perpetrator or their livestock would become ill or paralysed, or be taken away by the fairies. Bringing the blossom indoors was also bad luck. The red berries, however, were less intimidating. The saying, “When all fruit fails, welcome haw”, comes from the west of Ireland. In times of hardship, the bitter and pulpy berries were a lifesaver. Another widespread proverb was: “A haw year is a breágh year” (a fine year, in English). Haws are plentiful this autumn, and provide nourishment for our native blackbirds, song thrushes and mistle thrushes. Soon they will also furnish food for the redwings that fly in from Iceland and Scandinavia, and for the fieldfares, who come from Scandinavia also, as well as from central and eastern Europe

Iraqi forces seized the disputed city of Kirkuk from Kurdish forces today after a surprise dawn assault that threatened to plunge the country into further chaos. The Kurdish flag was pulled down in the centre of Kirkuk, where it has flown for the past three years. The city’s loss, only three...Iraqi forces seized the disputed city of Kirkuk from Kurdish forces today after a surprise dawn assault that threatened to plunge the country into further chaos. The Kurdish flag was pulled down in the centre of Kirkuk, where it has flown for the past three years. The city’s loss, only three...Iraqi forces seized the disputed city of Kirkuk from Kurdish forces today after a surprise dawn assault that threatened to...

Kirkuk’s descent into chaos began with a late-night meeting in a five-star hotel. How it will end is unclear — but the prognosis is grim. With sectarianism, a grapple for oil and big power politics all in play, there seems little chance that the spat will be sorted out soon. Iraq has been more tense than usual since the Kurdish Autonomous...Kirkuk’s descent into chaos began with a late-night meeting in a five-star hotel. How it will end is unclear — but the prognosis is grim. With sectarianism, a grapple for oil and big power politics all in play, there seems little chance that the spat will be sorted out soon. Iraq has been more tense than usual since the Kurdish Autonomous...Kirkuk’s descent into chaos began with a late-night meeting in a five-star hotel. How it will end is unclear — but the...

The Catalan leader will not meet the Spanish government’s deadline to inform Madrid whether he has declared independence or not, paving the way for direct rule of the region. Carles Puigdemont will not to respond to a demand to clarify the status of a confused declaration of secession before Thursday, according to...The Catalan leader will not meet the Spanish government’s deadline to inform Madrid whether he...The Catalan leader will not meet the Spanish government’s deadline to inform Madrid whether he...

When the world’s finest wine tasters gathered in Burgundy to test their skills, the French confidently expected to...When the world’s finest wine tasters gathered in Burgundy to test their skills, the French...When the world’s finest wine tasters gathered in Burgundy to test their skills, the French...

More than half of German men would be willing to have sex with a robot, a slightly higher proportion than would do...More than half of German men would be willing to have sex with a robot, a slightly higher...More than half of German men would be willing to have sex with a robot, a slightly higher...

The Greek authorities have intercepted a foreign lorry secretly carrying refugees out of the country just as Athens...The Greek authorities have intercepted a foreign lorry secretly carrying refugees out of the...The Greek authorities have intercepted a foreign lorry secretly carrying refugees out of the...

In a time of stark political, social and cultural splits plenty of Americans feel they have an axe to grind. That may...In a time of stark political, social and cultural splits plenty of Americans feel they have an...In a time of stark political, social and cultural splits plenty of Americans feel they have an...

Firefighters in California said yesterday that they had turned a corner in tackling the deadliest wildfires in the state’s history. Lighter than expected winds over the weekend and reinforcement firefighters from other states...Firefighters in California said yesterday that they had turned a corner in tackling the deadliest wildfires in the state’s history. Lighter than expected winds over the weekend and reinforcement firefighters from other states...Firefighters in California said yesterday that they had turned a corner in tackling the deadliest wildfires in the...

The official death toll in Vietnam from landslides and heavy rain triggered by the tropical storm Khanun has risen to 68, with another 34 people missing. The Vietnam disaster management authority said in a statement that the...The official death toll in Vietnam from landslides and heavy rain triggered by the tropical storm Khanun has risen to 68, with another 34 people missing. The Vietnam disaster management authority said in a statement that the...The official death toll in Vietnam from landslides and heavy rain triggered by the tropical storm Khanun has risen to...

Profits fell at half of Britain’s law firms last year as pay rises and hiring sprees at the larger players took their toll. Research being published today reveals that firms were hit by falling profit margins, with about 70 per cent of legal practices registering relatively small fee income...Profits fell at half of Britain’s law firms last year as pay rises and hiring sprees at the larger players took their toll. Research being published today reveals that firms were hit by falling profit margins, with about 70 per cent of legal practices registering relatively small fee income...Profits fell at half of Britain’s law firms last year as pay rises and hiring sprees at the larger players took their toll.

Nex Group, the electronic trading business run by the City veteran Michael Spencer, has announced the surprise departure of the head of its crucial post-trade division, just weeks after issuing a profit warning for the unit. Jenny Knott, chief executive of Nex Optimisation, is to leave after just two years at the group, which was formerly...Nex Group, the electronic trading business run by the City veteran Michael Spencer, has announced the surprise departure of the head of its crucial post-trade division, just weeks after issuing a profit warning for the unit. Jenny Knott, chief executive of Nex Optimisation, is to leave after just two years at the group, which was formerly...Nex Group, the electronic trading business run by the City veteran Michael Spencer, has announced the surprise departure of the...

Philip Hammond is pushing for an international trade agreement in services to “rehabilitate globalisation” in the West to counter recent populist surges in Europe and America. The chancellor used his platform at the International Monetary Fund meeting in Washington to urge countries to redouble their efforts to...Philip Hammond is pushing for an international trade agreement in services to “rehabilitate...Philip Hammond is pushing for an international trade agreement in services to “rehabilitate...

Twenty years ago, fewer than one person in ten lived in private rented accommodation. One in five does so today.Twenty years ago, fewer than one person in ten lived in private rented accommodation. One in five...Twenty years ago, fewer than one person in ten lived in private rented accommodation. One in five...

The best options for investors are often the ones least researched or understood by the market. This time last week...The best options for investors are often the ones least researched or understood by the market.The best options for investors are often the ones least researched or understood by the market.

India has already embraced Uber and Airbnb, but now the boom in the sharing economy has reached something far more traditional — the wedding sari. An online fashion-sharing start-up has taken Delhi by storm with its hand-embroidered silk saris and...India has already embraced Uber and Airbnb, but now the boom in the sharing economy has reached...India has already embraced Uber and Airbnb, but now the boom in the sharing economy has reached...

Campaigners have described an intervention from the chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland as “offensive” after he said that he had grown tired of former business customers making “false accusations” about the bank’s Global...Campaigners have described an intervention from the chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland as “offensive” after he said that he had grown tired of former business customers making “false accusations” about the bank’s Global...Campaigners have described an intervention from the chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland as “offensive” after he...

Mark Adlestone’s words must sound like music to the ears of Andy Haldane, the Bank of England’s chief economist who has warned that nepotism is killing productivity in Britain’s family businesses: “Why should a family be able...Mark Adlestone’s words must sound like music to the ears of Andy Haldane, the Bank of England’s chief economist who has warned that nepotism is killing productivity in Britain’s family businesses: “Why should a family be able...Mark Adlestone’s words must sound like music to the ears of Andy Haldane, the Bank of England’s chief economist who...

Bordeaux’s winemakers anticipate a fall in revenue of more than €1.5 billion this year after their vines were devastated by frost in April and hailstones in August. The Bordeaux Wine Committee expects sales to drop by 50 per cent, which would...Bordeaux’s winemakers anticipate a fall in revenue of more than €1.5 billion this year after...Bordeaux’s winemakers anticipate a fall in revenue of more than €1.5 billion this year after...

Video highlights

Riyad Mahrez picked the perfect moment to strike his first Premier League goal of the season, equalising Nacer Chadli’s fine free kick to alleviate some of the pressure on the Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare. The match was hampered by a swirling wind and it was almost more about Ophelia than Shakespeare for a while but the Leicester manager’s late changes...Riyad Mahrez picked the perfect moment to strike his first Premier League goal of the season...Riyad Mahrez picked the perfect moment to strike his first Premier League goal of the season...

It started with a back-heel from a centre back on the touchline. Passages of Manchester City’s acclaimed play against...It started with a back-heel from a centre back on the touchline. Passages of Manchester City’s acclaimed play against Stoke City, especially their end-to-end second goal involving that pass from Nicolás Otamendi and ultimately finished by Raheem Sterling, rival some of the most bewitching football seen on English...It started with a back-heel from a centre back on the touchline. Passages of Manchester City’s acclaimed play against Stoke...

It is often said that playmakers such as Kevin De Bruyne, whose performance for Manchester City in their 7-2 crushing...It is often said that playmakers such as Kevin De Bruyne, whose performance for Manchester City...It is often said that playmakers such as Kevin De Bruyne, whose performance for Manchester City...

José Mourinho has expressed his admiration for Paris Saint-Germain after admitting that he will not end his...José Mourinho has expressed his admiration for Paris Saint-Germain after admitting that he will...José Mourinho has expressed his admiration for Paris Saint-Germain after admitting that he will...

Richarlison did not dive to win Watford a penalty against Arsenal and I would be very surprised if the incident was referred to the FA panel today. It was the correct decision to award the penalty as there was contact between him and Héctor Bellerín, the Arsenal defender, that wasn’t initiated by the forward. It is interesting because I’ve looked at three angles of the...Richarlison did not dive to win Watford a penalty against Arsenal and I would be very surprised...Richarlison did not dive to win Watford a penalty against Arsenal and I would be very surprised...

The FA’s newly-established panel to rule on incidents of simulation has reviewed an incident involving the Watford...The FA’s newly-established panel to rule on incidents of simulation has reviewed an incident involving the Watford striker Richarlison but has ruled the Brazilian did not dive to win a penalty against Arsenal. The three-man panel, set up this season, will be able to impose a two-match ban on players who successfully...The FA’s newly-established panel to rule on incidents of simulation has reviewed an incident involving the Watford striker...

A potential World Cup playoff between Ireland and Northern Ireland has been avoided owing to the new Fifa rankings. Northern Ireland have fallen three places to 23rd, meaning that they will not be seeded when the match-ups for the playoffs are...A potential World Cup playoff between Ireland and Northern Ireland has been avoided owing to the...A potential World Cup playoff between Ireland and Northern Ireland has been avoided owing to the...

Bye, bye BatshuayiWhen you are at a club and they are trying to sign a 32-year-old, 6ft 4in striker who would...Bye, bye BatshuayiWhen you are at a club and they are trying to sign a 32-year-old, 6ft...Bye, bye BatshuayiWhen you are at a club and they are trying to sign a 32-year-old, 6ft...

Of the 42 teams in action in the top two divisions at the weekend, Manchester City hit seven goals and none of the...Of the 42 teams in action in the top two divisions at the weekend, Manchester City hit seven...Of the 42 teams in action in the top two divisions at the weekend, Manchester City hit seven...

Daniel Farke’s appointment as Norwich City head coach was greeted among supporters with some serious head-scratching in May. By the end of August, however, they were nearly tearing their hair out. Just one win during the opening five games left...Daniel Farke’s appointment as Norwich City head coach was greeted among supporters with some...Daniel Farke’s appointment as Norwich City head coach was greeted among supporters with some...

After the Champions League draw pitted Manchester City and Napoli against each other, many remarked that it would be...After the Champions League draw pitted Manchester City and Napoli against each other, many...After the Champions League draw pitted Manchester City and Napoli against each other, many...

Sam Allardyce has ruled himself out of the running to step into the Scotland hot seat vacated by Gordon Strachan and...Sam Allardyce has ruled himself out of the running to step into the Scotland hot seat vacated by...Sam Allardyce has ruled himself out of the running to step into the Scotland hot seat vacated by...

There’s a buzz around Marcus Smith. “He’s a special young kid,” Nick Evans said in the build-up to Harlequins’ European Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle on Saturday. “He gets attack . . . knows where to be.” Eighteen years of age, the leading scorer in the Aviva Premiership, the headline inclusion in Eddie Jones’s most recent England squad. Jones pricked the...There’s a buzz around Marcus Smith. “He’s a special young kid,” Nick Evans said in the build-up...There’s a buzz around Marcus Smith. “He’s a special young kid,” Nick Evans said in the build-up...

Wales have changed their international player selection policy by scrapping the so-called Gatland’s Law. Heading into...Wales have changed their international player selection policy by scrapping the so-called Gatland’s Law. Heading into this season and next, players based with clubs outside Wales required one of four wildcard picks to represent their country, with that figure dropping to two for the 2019-20 World Cup season. It was...Wales have changed their international player selection policy by scrapping the so-called Gatland’s Law. Heading into this...

Saracens do not expect Owen Farrell to be cited for the tackle that led to him being booed as the European champions...Saracens do not expect Owen Farrell to be cited for the tackle that led to him being booed as the...Saracens do not expect Owen Farrell to be cited for the tackle that led to him being booed as the...

The Scarlets gave three-times winners Toulon an almighty fright before finally being edged out 21-20 in their pool...The Scarlets gave three-times winners Toulon an almighty fright before finally being edged out...The Scarlets gave three-times winners Toulon an almighty fright before finally being edged out...

On Saturday night, Jonnie Peacock stood on the balcony overlooking the audience for the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. The double Paralympic gold medal-winner was nervous about delivering his American Smooth routine and then he spotted the man...On Saturday night, Jonnie Peacock stood on the balcony overlooking the audience for the BBC’s...On Saturday night, Jonnie Peacock stood on the balcony overlooking the audience for the BBC’s...

Aidan O’Brien last night stood on the brink of racing history as he sought to become the most successful trainer of...Aidan O’Brien last night stood on the brink of racing history as he sought to become the most...Aidan O’Brien last night stood on the brink of racing history as he sought to become the most...

Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, has filed a lawsuit against the NFL, alleging that he...Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, has filed a lawsuit against the NFL...Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, has filed a lawsuit against the NFL...

If Formula One’s safety chiefs want to wave goodbye to “halo” dissenters they could rewind to one of the grisliest statistics in sport. In the space of 22 months, a band of five charismatic racers were killed in separate crashes. All drove for...If Formula One’s safety chiefs want to wave goodbye to “halo” dissenters they could rewind to one...If Formula One’s safety chiefs want to wave goodbye to “halo” dissenters they could rewind to one...

Irrepressible and quirky England scrum half known as ‘Steptoe’ who was almost as good at cricket, golf and squash as he was at rugby

The winter that scrum half Simon Clarke made his debut for England was the coldest for more than two centuries. It was January 1963 and no rugby had been played at Cardiff Arms Park for several weeks because of thick frost, yet the match against the highly fancied Welsh side controversially went ahead, watched by huge crowds and millions of TV viewers. As temperatures...The winter that scrum half Simon Clarke made his debut for England was the coldest for more than...The winter that scrum half Simon Clarke made his debut for England was the coldest for more than...

Despite a military career in which he progressed rapidly from one leading -edge appointment to another, Richard...Despite a military career in which he progressed rapidly from one leading -edge appointment to another, Richard Swinburn liked to portray himself as someone whose primary interest was sheep farming. When commanding the UK’s largest military district as a lieutenant-general, he agreed to act as the deputy...Despite a military career in which he progressed rapidly from one leading -edge appointment to another, Richard Swinburn liked...

The Great Storm of October 1987 hit exactly 30 years ago. It is best remembered for Michael Fish’s infamous forecast that there was not a hurricane on the way, made only hours before the storm struck. It came as a complete shock to the nation when...The Great Storm of October 1987 hit exactly 30 years ago. It is best remembered for Michael...The Great Storm of October 1987 hit exactly 30 years ago. It is best remembered for Michael...

When Rihanna walks into a store, buys — not borrows — a jumpsuit by a little-known brand and wears it to a Grammys after-party, the fashion industry takes notice. This is what happened to Galvan London, a glam but under-the-radar Notting Hill...When Rihanna walks into a store, buys — not borrows — a jumpsuit by a little-known brand and...When Rihanna walks into a store, buys — not borrows — a jumpsuit by a little-known brand and...

Film Show

Film Show

Film Show

SNP veterans have urged Nicola Sturgeon to resist calls from impatient new nationalists for an urgent independence referendum and get on with managing Brexit and governing Scotland. Kenny MacAskill, a former minister, and Jim Sillars, a former SNP deputy leader, said the nationalists should put...SNP veterans have urged Nicola Sturgeon to resist calls from impatient new nationalists for an urgent independence referendum and get on with managing Brexit and governing Scotland. Kenny MacAskill, a former minister, and Jim Sillars, a former SNP deputy leader, said the nationalists should put...SNP veterans have urged Nicola Sturgeon to resist calls from impatient new nationalists for an urgent independence referendum...

Paying for expensive treatments that keep cancer sufferers alive for a few extra weeks comes at the expense of other NHS services that may have greater benefits for larger numbers of patients, the head of Scotland’s drugs evaluation body has warned. Alan MacDonald, chairman of the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) — which decides what...Paying for expensive treatments that keep cancer sufferers alive for a few extra weeks comes at the expense of other NHS services that may have greater benefits for larger numbers of patients, the head of Scotland’s drugs evaluation body has warned. Alan MacDonald, chairman of the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) — which decides what...Paying for expensive treatments that keep cancer sufferers alive for a few extra weeks comes at the expense of other NHS...

A previously undisclosed £7 million loan to save Scotland’s last major steelworks has prompted calls for greater Scottish government transparency. Scottish ministers gave Liberty Steel, run by the Indian-born tycoon Sanjeev Gupta, money to help purchase the troubled Dalzell and Clydebridge steel mills last year.A previously undisclosed £7 million loan to save Scotland’s last major steelworks has prompted...A previously undisclosed £7 million loan to save Scotland’s last major steelworks has prompted...

Dozens of Scottish schools have been exposed as potential firetraps owing to construction defects built in by PFI...Dozens of Scottish schools have been exposed as potential firetraps owing to construction defects...Dozens of Scottish schools have been exposed as potential firetraps owing to construction defects...

Following an article published by The Times on 21 February 2017, headlined “Police to investigate Glasgow corruption”...Following an article published by The Times on 21 February 2017, headlined “Police to investigate...Following an article published by The Times on 21 February 2017, headlined “Police to investigate...

A Highland estate that has been at the centre of access rows with walkers has been bought by part of the family that founded the Lego empire. Ledgowan Estate, in Wester Ross, is being sold at offers over £4.5 million. Bids closed in August and it...A Highland estate that has been at the centre of access rows with walkers has been bought by part...A Highland estate that has been at the centre of access rows with walkers has been bought by part...

The slow decline of lottery money is like the tale of Rumpelstiltskin, the little imp who spins gold from straw. For more than 20 years, lottery funds have poured into arts organisations across Britain, spun from the gambling...The slow decline of lottery money is like the tale of Rumpelstiltskin, the little imp who spins gold from straw. For more than 20 years, lottery funds have poured into arts organisations across Britain, spun from the gambling...The slow decline of lottery money is like the tale of Rumpelstiltskin, the little imp who spins gold from straw. For...

The NHS faces many tough choices: whether to close local hospitals and centralise services; how to free up beds when care homes are closing; cutting waiting times against a background of staff shortages and overworked doctors.The NHS faces many tough choices: whether to close local hospitals and centralise services; how to free up beds when care homes are closing; cutting waiting times against a background of staff shortages and overworked doctors.The NHS faces many tough choices: whether to close local hospitals and centralise services; how to free up beds when...

John Barclay’s involvement in next month’s autumn Test programme has been thrown into doubt by the news that the Scotland captain is to be examined by a leading neurologist this week in an attempt to find out why he has been slow to recover from a recent concussion. Barclay, who plays for the Scarlets, missed his club’s narrow defeat to Toulon in the Champions Cup...John Barclay’s involvement in next month’s autumn Test programme has been thrown into doubt by...John Barclay’s involvement in next month’s autumn Test programme has been thrown into doubt by...

Celtic fans didn’t much care for this match — but many others did. It was fascinating watching Neil McCann and Dundee...Celtic fans didn’t much care for this match — but many others did. It was fascinating watching Neil McCann and Dundee surgically applying themselves over these 90 minutes, disrupting Celtic, finding holes in Brendan Rodgers’ team, and generally making a fine game of it. If this is the future of Dundee under McCann...Celtic fans didn’t much care for this match — but many others did. It was fascinating watching Neil McCann and Dundee...

Violent sex offenders are to be monitored with electronic tags after their release under new laws expected to be signed off by cabinet in the coming weeks. The legislation will also require offenders to notify their presence in an area to An Garda Síochána, and include provisions to restrict...Violent sex offenders are to be monitored with electronic tags after their release under new laws expected to be signed off by cabinet in the coming weeks. The legislation will also require offenders to notify their presence in an area to An Garda Síochána, and include provisions to restrict...Violent sex offenders are to be monitored with electronic tags after their release under new laws expected to be signed off by...

A selection of iPads, a €15 kettle and a back-friendly desk chair were among the items ordered by government ministers on their appointments this year. Leo Varadkar got an iPhone with a protective cover after taking office at a cost of €898.17. His department said: “Staff and office holders are assigned equipment from stock as required to...A selection of iPads, a €15 kettle and a back-friendly desk chair were among the items ordered by government ministers on their appointments this year. Leo Varadkar got an iPhone with a protective cover after taking office at a cost of €898.17. His department said: “Staff and office holders are assigned equipment from stock as required to...A selection of iPads, a €15 kettle and a back-friendly desk chair were among the items ordered by government ministers on their...

Anne Doyle, the former RTÉ news anchor, has revealed star salaries didn’t exist when she first joined the national broadcaster. A new report revealed last week that men working for the BBC earn an average of 9.3 per cent more than women. The Wexford native, who became a household name as the face of the nine o’clock...Anne Doyle, the former RTÉ news anchor, has revealed star salaries didn’t exist when she first...Anne Doyle, the former RTÉ news anchor, has revealed star salaries didn’t exist when she first...

The number of staff attached to Leo Varadkar’s €5 million Strategic Communications Unit is set to increase to nine, despite the government indicating that it would not exceed five. Further recruitment is likely, with plans in...The number of staff attached to Leo Varadkar’s €5 million Strategic Communications Unit is set to increase to nine, despite the government indicating that it would not exceed five. Further recruitment is likely, with plans in...The number of staff attached to Leo Varadkar’s €5 million Strategic Communications Unit is set to increase to nine...

Amazon Prime’s European showcase, due to be attended by members of the Irish media, was promptly cancelled at the weekend after the suspension of Roy Price, the chief of Amazon Studios. The event, which was scheduled for...Amazon Prime’s European showcase, due to be attended by members of the Irish media, was promptly cancelled at the weekend after the suspension of Roy Price, the chief of Amazon Studios. The event, which was scheduled for...Amazon Prime’s European showcase, due to be attended by members of the Irish media, was promptly cancelled at the...

Munster have not lost two games in a row since Rassie Erasmus took charge at the start of last season but they came close to doing that at Stade Pierre Fabre yesterday in a game that neither side will be happy with. Castres, though, will probably take most from it when they turn to their primary...Munster have not lost two games in a row since Rassie Erasmus took charge at the start of last season but they came close to doing that at Stade Pierre Fabre yesterday in a game that neither side will be happy with. Castres, though, will probably take most from it when they turn to their primary...Munster have not lost two games in a row since Rassie Erasmus took charge at the start of last season but they came close to...

Martin O’Neill faces a nervous wait on the fitness of Shane Duffy after he was taken off with a groin injury during Brighton & Hove Albion’s 1-1 draw against Everton yesterday. The highly-rated central defender was replaced 73 minutes into the Premier League clash where he fell awkwardly after contesting a header with Oumar Niasse.Martin O’Neill faces a nervous wait on the fitness of Shane Duffy after he was taken off with a groin injury during Brighton & Hove Albion’s 1-1 draw against Everton yesterday. The highly-rated central defender was replaced 73 minutes into the Premier League clash where he fell awkwardly after contesting a header with Oumar Niasse.Martin O’Neill faces a nervous wait on the fitness of Shane Duffy after he was taken off with a groin injury during Brighton...

A wry smile burst across Robbie Henshaw’s face as he was about to hit the RDS canvas, the latest victim of a hit and run by Nemani Nadolo, Montpellier’s human fridge. The 21-stone winger threw Henshaw out of the way like a snowplough clearing a path, and the Leinster centre was suitably red-faced. He was put down...A wry smile burst across Robbie Henshaw’s face as he was about to hit the RDS canvas, the latest...A wry smile burst across Robbie Henshaw’s face as he was about to hit the RDS canvas, the latest...